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Jonah Crab Fishery Improvement Project

Jonah crab has long been considered a bycatch of the lobster industry. In recent years, however, markets for Jonah crab have increased, causing concern that targeted fishing pressure will compromise the health of the fishery.

Jonah crab has no stock assessment or fishery management plan of its own, due in part to limited data on its population, growth rates, distribution, and sexual maturity. In addition, the limited dealer reports available often don’t differentiate by species, confusing Jonah crab (Cancer borealis) with rock crab (Cancer irroatus).

As Jonah crab increases in value to the region, protecting the resource from decimation becomes progressively important. According to NMFS data, 4,089.8 mt of Jonah crab was landed in New England in 2011 with a total ex-vessel value of $5,530,388. In fact, the harvest has increased steadily over the past decade. While Maine lands the greatest amount of lobster in New England, Massachusetts, followed by Rhode Island, has landed the greatest amount of Jonah crab in the region for the past three years. In 2011, Massachusetts landed 2,440.30 mt of Jonah crab, Rhode Island landed 1,152.30 mt, Maine landed 497.10 mt, and Connecticut landed 0.1 mt.

Jonah Crab Work Plan

The FIP Work Plan was informed by an MSC pre-assessment that was commissioned by the Work Group.

Work Plan(PDF)This document outlines activities the Work Group plans to accomplish from 2014-2017

Briefing for ASMFC(PDF)This communication to the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) includes recommendations the FIP Work Group has developed for the management agency's consideration, for presentation to the ASMFC on May 14, 2014.

Latest Update

In May, 2014, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) voted unanimously to develop a fishery management plan and stock assessment for Jonah crab after a presentation of recommendations from FIP Work Group representatives. In September, 2014, FIP members participated at ASMFC public hearings in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut to represent the recommendations of the FIP and to hear comment from others. In February, 2015, the ASMFC voted to establish an Advisory Panel and a Technical Committee which will analyze information and develop recommendations to the ASMFC. The Commission approved a fishery management plan in August, 2015 that includes minimum size restrictions, prohibition of berried female harvest, and licensing and trap restrictions. While many states have already implemented the new regulations, all states on the East coast will be required to implement measures by June, 2016.